Varieties of Blackberries in Michigan

Darrow

• The Darrow blackberry is an erect type and is a hardy variety. Darrow blackberries are productive early in the season and yields medium sized fruits which are firm. Blackberries grow best in full sunlight and well-drained sandy loam soil. Darrow blackberries must have a good water supply, but should not be planted in low lying areas that remain wet into the spring. According to the University of Maine, Darrow blackberries are vigorous plants with large thorns, but are highly susceptible to virus.

Hull Thornless

• The Hull Thornless is a trailing type of blackberry. The Hull Thornless is grown in Michigan and is a hardy thorny variety, which is productive with a late season crop. Farmers commonly use the hill system to grow blackberries because blackberries will not fill out a hedgerow. Blackberries planted with the hill system are set 4 feet apart in rows 8 to 12 feet apart. The hill system is designed to get the most out of each blackberry plant.

Illini Hardy

• Illini Hardy blackberries are erect and thorny. These plants are hardy and produce medium to large fruits. Michigan blackberry growers must prune these plants to discourage the presence of diseases and to improve the quality of the fruits these plants yield. Blackberry growers should remove all new canes that grow outside the plant row width of 12 to 18 inches. Removing these canes will improve the penetration of light and help circulate the air to enhance the quality of fruit.

Chester Thornless

• Michigan blackberry growers tout the Chester Thornless as the hardiest of the trailing types. This blackberry is thornless and semi-erect and is a moderate producer of berries in the late season. Chester Thornless berries are large and firm, making them a perfect choice for recipes or for eating raw. Michigan growers can have longer producing blackberry plants with proper care. Blackberry plants can produce fruit for a period of 10 to 20 years if well taken care of. Viruses, weeds and fungi can shorten the lifespan of the plant considerably.